It could only be terminated by confession; so that the scaffold was the sole refuge from the rack.

Individuals have borne the torture and the dungeon fifteen years, and have been burned at the stake at last.
Execution followed confession, but the number of condemned prisoners was allowed to accumulate, that a multitude of victims might grace each great gala-day.

The auto-da fe was a solemn festival.

The monarch, the high functionaries of the land, the reverend clergy, the populace regarded it as an inspiring and delightful recreation.

When the appointed morning arrived, the victim was taken from his dungeon.